Yogi Ananda

Yogi Ananda, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 in Auburn, N.Y. He was born in India and came to the United States to teach yoga. Prior to coming to the United States, he had established himself as spiritual leader in India, and served as a monk throughout the country, assisting those in need. He worked closely with Mother Theresa and her orphanage for many years until her passing. He regularly traveled back to India until recent years to provide supplies and assistance to different villages and organizations.

After coming to the United States, Yogi established himself as a highly respected yoga teacher and taught throughout the country. His teaching brought him to Syracuse, N.Y. where he taught at Onondaga Community College for many years. He branched out to teach at other local colleges, but also taught privately from his home and at local businesses. He also began working with the Syracuse Developmental Center (SDC) and served there for over 20 years working with people with developmental disabilities. After retiring from SDC, Yogi continued to teach in Auburn and Syracuse.

To meet Yogi was an unforgettable experience because his personality was so big. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him will remember him for his warm smile, insistence on giving more food than was physically possible to be eaten, and for his catch phrases. All of his students will have the phrases, “Bend your knee” and “get the flavor” stuck in their heads forever. Everyone else will remember his typical, “international style” and “eat more, EAT MORE!” For the most part, people will remember him at the center of many incredible memories, and the catalyst for creating friendships that are fueled by all of the crazy adventures he had a knack for getting people involved with. He was a lover of all animals, but he always had a special place in his heart for Samoyed dogs. It wasn’t uncommon to see him alongside a large, fluffy, white dog during his years of living in New York.

He is survived by his two loving children, Pradip Ananda and Naren Ananda, along with the countless friends and students who respected and cherished him. There will be no traditional memorial services or calling hours; a private service will be held by his family at a later date.